Federal Grant Award Summary

Vivamed, Inc. received a $257,015 Project Grant award from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) under the Cardiovascular Diseases Research program (CFDA 93.837), effective June 15, 2026, with completion targeted for April 30, 2028. The award funds development of a wirelessly powered, battery-free hypoglossal nerve stimulator (HNS) device designed to treat obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). The device represents a significant advancement over existing FDA-approved systems by eliminating implanted batteries, reducing surgical invasiveness through miniaturization, and incorporating integrated electromyography (EMG) sensors for closed-loop stimulation control. Key innovations include bilateral stimulation capability, electrode migration reduction through tine-based lead design, and improved magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) compatibility compared to current market alternatives.

The primary deliverable under this award is the design, development, and validation of the proposed minimally invasive HNS implant with integrated closed-loop control functionality. The development work will be conducted at Vivamed's Santa Monica, California location and addresses critical limitations in current OSA treatment options, particularly the low compliance rates associated with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy and the surgical complexity of existing implanted systems. By combining wireless power delivery with real-time muscle response monitoring, this device aims to provide a more effective and patient-acceptable therapeutic solution for a prevalent cardiovascular risk factor.